What is the most efficient wing planform?
What is the most efficient wing planform?
An elliptical planform is the most efficient aerodynamic shape for an untwisted wing, leading to the lowest amount of induced drag.
Why was the Spitfire wing so good?
“The elliptical wing was decided upon quite early on. Aerodynamically it was the best for our purpose because the induced drag, that caused in producing lift, was lowest when this shape was used; the ellipse was an ideal shape, theoretically a perfection. There were other advantages, so far as we were concerned.
What does a wing spar do?
In a fixed-wing aircraft, the spar is often the main structural member of the wing, running spanwise at right angles (or thereabouts depending on wing sweep) to the fuselage. The spar carries flight loads and the weight of the wings while on the ground.
Why did some Spitfires have clipped wings?
Shortening the wings lowered the effective altitude of the Spitfire but increased the roll rate, making it more maneuverable at lower altitudes. Clipped wings were not the only alteration made to the Spitfire wing shape. Extended tips were also used for high-altitude performance.
Why is elliptical wing advantages and disadvantages?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an elliptical wing planform? Advantage = they produce the same amount of lift all the way across the wing, therefore they have the same effective AOA across the entire span. Disadvantage = they are difficult and expensive to manufacture.
Why is elliptical wing the best?
The elliptical wing is aerodynamically most efficient because elliptical spanwise lift distribution induces the lowest possible drag.
How do Spitfire wings fit together?
The drawing underneath shows how the various sections fit together to form the twin booms. These are reinforced by the spar ‘web’. The strength inherent in Spitfire wings is concentrated through this structure. As we move outboard along the wing it gets much thinner. A wing tip of wooden construction is attached by two bolts.
What are the characteristics of a Spitfire?
Spitfire wings: light, strong and fast. Spitfire wings are very large and dominate the silhouette of the aircraft with their elliptical characteristics. They are also light and strong and very thin for their day when compared with the deep section which you would see on the Hawker Hurricane of the same period. Structurally, they are complicated
What type of aircraft is a Supermarine Spitfire?
Supermarine Spitfire. The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during and after World War II. Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft.
How many variants of the Spitfire were built?
Many variants of the Spitfire were built, using several wing configurations, and it was produced in greater numbers than any other British aircraft. It was also the only British fighter produced continuously throughout the war. The Spitfire continues to be popular among enthusiasts; nearly 60 remain airworthy,…
